The Columbus journal., 1887-11-16

Lee, at the breaking out of the rebellion
and was confiscated by the government,
but subsequently purchased from the
Lee heirs by the United States at a cost
Of $25O,OOO. Nineteen thousand Union
soldiers lie buried here. The grounds
are laid out in broad avenues shaded by
primeval oaks and towering elms, and
the drives and winding walks amid the
flowers and leafy dells and ravines that
overlook the Capital City, present view
OF unparalleled magni6cence. There is
always throng of visitors there, and
the stranger within our gates who fails
to visit Arlington, looses one of the
lOveliest scenes in all the land.
Another place Of surpassing beauty is
Oak Hill Cemetery, situated on Rock
Greek, in what is known locally as West
Washington, but in former times as the
old city of Georgetown. Way back,
years ago, Georgetown was an important
place, and was made the first port of
entry under the establishment OF the
Federal constitution. 1t is dingy look
ing place now, with a population of
about 1900 with large preponderance
OF the colOred element. The citizens
show little enterprise compared with the
balance Of the District, and during the
war 1t was emphatically the secession hot
bed OF this section. Nature made here
the loveliest burial place the eye ever
rested upon, which has been most beau
tifully adorned by the lavish expendi-
ture Of large sums. It is Handsomely
laid out in terraces giving the most en-
chanting and picturesque views of hill
and valley and vista. Eight thousand
are buried here, many of whom achieved
great reputation in statesmanship. litera-
ture and art, and won imperishable re-
nown In defending the Nations FLAG on
sea and land. A walk amid it's shady
bowers, polished marble, gentle cascades
and sparkling fountains, inspires thot.
softens nature, and melts the heart.
What lovely place is Oak Hill. Thou
sands every Sabbath seek this Elysisn
retreat, and hold sweet communion with
the Beautiful Beyond.
The Washington Navy Yard having
been changed to an ordnance plant, ne
cessitates large amount of new ma
chinery. There is now being built for
use, among numerous other things, six
huge iron lathes, 13O feet in length, and
weighing 200 tons each. They are mod
els OF inventive genius, and are 30 con-
structed that work on both the outside
and inside Of the mammoth guns may be
carried on at the same time. Three Of
these guns are nearly completed, are
nearly thirty feet in length, and will
throw twelve inch projectile distance
Of ten miles with marvellous precision.
The Secretary Of the Navy Department
ID entitled to much credit for his Dor
s'stent effort to give Us a Navy worthy |
Of the American Nation, and it is hoped |
congress will not be parsimonious in |
making the needed appropriations. A
large japanese naval party, who are in
the navies of the world, will be
here this week to see what we can show.
A convention Of the Evangelical ALI
ance Of the United States will commence
ts annual session in this city on Dec.
'th, and the churches are making great
to receive the delegates,
'bout 1900 Of whom are expected to be
present.
On tho 18th Of this month there will
70 most notable gathering at the
Smithsonian Institute, OF the leading
'cientists OF the country in commemora-
ion OF tho late Prof. Baird. The COM
nittee in charge are making elaborate
preparations, and will publish q memo
isl volume Of tho proceedings which il
Intended to contain the grandest scien-
i6c thought Of the age. Many Of the
distinguished acientists Of England,
rance and Germany will participate in
he interesting occasion. II
A statement has been prepared at the
department which shows that
uring the month Of October there was
net increase Of over Sla000,OOO in the
irculstion. The total circulation the
rst OF this month amounts to 81. .386- il